DAY 51...what?!

Greetings blog stalkers!
        Just another brief update from the Indian Ocean! We made it through the Strait of Malacca safe and sound but we are fortunate because a small cruise liner was attacked by pirates in that very strait nearly a day after we were out of it. I do not think they were successful but it still keeps us on our toes!
        We are less than 2 days out from Chennai, the weather is hot, the seas are calm and everything is going wonderfully. My travel plans through India have been finalized and I am in for one great trip. Our first stop is to Delhi from which we will make our way to the Taj Mahal that is must see in India, and then it’s over to Jaipur for some more exploring. Unfortunately I do not have the itinerary with me at the moment but there is a third city on the list whose name I have forgotten. Our plans there are to visit a tiger reserve and then ride elephants! I am very excited for what should be a great 6 days in an exotic place.
        A few days ago were the infamous SAS Sea Olympics. The 4 residential decks on board are divided up in to 9 different seas (I have the privilege of being in the Bering Sea). Each voyage there is a mighty battle of the seas that goes down in the Sea Olympics. Each Sea, pumped with spirit and excitement, competes in a numerous events throughout the day all competing for first place. Unfortunately our sea did not win but everyone on board had a blast competing. The day was topped off with a huge BBQ on our top deck (and ribs where the meat just fell off the bone) and a completely spontaneous pool party. I believe we managed to fit close to 120 people in a pool that’s about 15ft x 12ft. As you can imagine it was pretty packed but quite fun to say the least. The following day the fun came to screeching halt when I had 2 tests to get through. However, those are in the past and now it’s smooth sailing until India!
        The other morning we passed by the Nicobar Islands, which are right outside the Strait of Malacca. They were beautiful to see, especially the one we got closes too which had a huge abandoned ship washed up on shore. That same day I was lucky enough to see 2 dolphins swimming alongside the ship. It was the first marine life I’ve seen so far.
        We are all starting to realize the speed of this trip now. We are just days away from the half way point! Few of us can believe that we’re already reaching India and apparently once Mauritius is done the trip flies even faster. It has already been one hell of a ride and we still have more to go.
        I hope everyone at home is doing great. Tune in soon for some pictures of our arrival in Chennai and a post India visit update. Take care all!

- Chris